National Review says the world made a mistake by bringing the Olympics to China.  They also suggest that this might be what the world needs to see what China really is.  A communist monster.

It was a mistake to allow a cruel dictatorship to host the Olympics. China’s rulers wanted the Olympics because they thought this would be a p.r. triumph. Instead the Olympics are turning into a p.r. disaster for the Communist autocrats. As the torch wends its way to Beijing, shouts of protest meet it at every turn. It’s almost comical to listen to thugs in bureaucrats’ clothing as they denounce the machinations of the “Dalai clique.” That’s the way Mao Zedong talked. That isn’t what the “New China” is supposed to sound like at all – that land of skyscrapers and 10 percent growth and a happy populace with no need for elections, so wise and benevolent are its “leaders.”

I wonder, would Reagan have boycotted these Olympics?  Nixon wouldn’t have.  Will Bush?

It is understandable that first heads of state to announce their intention to boycott the opening ceremony – those of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Germany – all grew up under Communism. They have heard at close range the cries of the pulverized. President Bush, whom we know to care deeply about those cries, should follow his counterparts’ example. It is understandable that he may wish not to announce his decision far in advance. (Among other things, it might create a perceived duty to escalate his form of protest should the Chinese crackdown grow worse.) But when the time comes, he should not attend.

So, yes, the games have already been politicized by the very fact of their being in China.  But the games are also awesome to watch, whether they’re in China or Alabama.  I’m not sure I care where they are.  But I’m glad some people do.